Xi Jinping definitely felt uncomfortable.
Photo: REUTERS
The main day of negotiations between the BRICS leaders in Johannesburg began with two extraordinary episodes.
A long red carpet has been laid out for the protagonists of the 15th BRICS summit (which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa). At the same time, the guests hardly felt like Hollywood stars. And certainly not everyone liked walking on it. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva walked down the red carpet with a big smile, holding hands with his wife. But Chinese leader Xi Jinping definitely felt uncomfortable.
He got half way. She has stopped. She looked back. And there is no one. The front door behind him was closed a long time ago and there was not a soul around. A few seconds later, however, he saw before him the lone figure of the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, who was standing with him. He smiled and, with more confidence, went to meet the host of the summit. Then they hugged and went out into the hallway, where five white chairs were set up.
The so-called “family photo” (general photo of the main summit participants) was also not without incident. On a specially prepared site, the hosts (so that none of the leaders would be confused) placed plaques with their names on the ground. Usually they just step on them and a short photo shoot begins. But this time, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi decided to make a change.
The so-called “family photo” (general photo of the main summit participants) was also not without incident.
Photo: REUTERS
Ramaphosa was the first to take his place. Modi followed him. He found the tablet from him and leaned down. The President of South Africa, as the owner, was quick to find out what had happened. Modi took the tablet and put it in his pocket. Ramaphosa extended his hand to the Prime Minister. He wanted to help the guest get rid of a seemingly useless piece of paper.
But Modi did not return it. He patted his pocket defiantly, making it clear that the precious memory would stay with him. Ramaphosa immediately followed Modi’s lead. He also took his sheet of paper and put it in his pocket. The rest of the participants in the “family photo” did not react in any way to the Indian innovation.
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